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The Life of Dominic Savio
“Let us leave a saint to write the life of a saint.” — St. Thomas Aquinas
In the annals of Christian sanctity, Dominic Savio emerges as a luminary, guiding the path of the faithful with the light of his youthful innocence and zeal. St. John Bosco, the venerable servant of God, chronicles the life of his spiritual son, offering us a window into a soul graced with divine favor.
Born to Italian peasants, Dominic’s journey mirrored that of St. Pius X, sharing humble origins, a love for learning, and a profound Eucharistic devotion. Notably, Dominic’s sanctity allowed him early Communion, aligning with the future Pope’s vision, making him a herald of ecclesiastical reforms and a patron for young communicants.
This book, a blend of personal testament and historical account, honors a boy who lived merely fifteen years but whose spiritual maturity transcended time. Dominic’s vision, his devotion, and his love for God make his life not just an inspiring tale but a clarion call for all—to aspire to sainthood in the ordinary.
Let the life of “the Schoolboy Saint” inspire you, as it has so many, to embrace a faith that acts, to follow a sanctity that lives, and to pray for a soul whose love for God knew no bounds.
In the annals of Christian sanctity, Dominic Savio emerges as a luminary, guiding the path of the faithful with the light of his youthful innocence and zeal. St. John Bosco, the venerable servant of God, chronicles the life of his spiritual son, offering us a window into a soul graced with divine favor.
Born to Italian peasants, Dominic’s journey mirrored that of St. Pius X, sharing humble origins, a love for learning, and a profound Eucharistic devotion. Notably, Dominic’s sanctity allowed him early Communion, aligning with the future Pope’s vision, making him a herald of ecclesiastical reforms and a patron for young communicants.
This book, a blend of personal testament and historical account, honors a boy who lived merely fifteen years but whose spiritual maturity transcended time. Dominic’s vision, his devotion, and his love for God make his life not just an inspiring tale but a clarion call for all—to aspire to sainthood in the ordinary.
Let the life of “the Schoolboy Saint” inspire you, as it has so many, to embrace a faith that acts, to follow a sanctity that lives, and to pray for a soul whose love for God knew no bounds.
176 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1859
32 people are currently reading
133 people want to read
About the author
John Bosco
24 books24 followersSaint John Bosco (Italian: Giovanni Melchiorre Bosco), popularly known as Don Bosco, was an Italian Roman Catholic priest, educator and writer of the 19th century.
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
November 18, 2017
This is a story of a boy saint, written by an adult saint - usually when a saint writes about another, the one written about is older, or from the past before the writer's time. This is the 1914 English translation, with some stories attached that tell of recovering from illnesses to health through this boy saint's intercession, in the years following his death.
But onto the story of Dominic. He shows from his very earliest years a kind of perfection that might seem strange today. He gets to have his first Communion early at the age of 7 (back then the first Communion happened usually later). Then we follow him through his school years, concentrating mostly on his three years at the Oratory of St Francis De Sales where John Bosco was also, the adult who writes Dominic's story. We follow his life there, his friends, his religious excellence, and finally his final illness, which makes his last days being at home. We also get to know of his posthumous influence on his fellow students and others.
The book does mention that there were other very pious boys at the Oratory, it was just that Dominic was a bit on a higher level with this. But it's not like he was flawless (part of it was due to his young age, no doubt - if he had lived, there might've been the struggling years to come...). His health was always delicate. He had scruples, and Bosco had to make him tone his mortification way down (due to Dominic's health and need to keep studying). And his success of influence on other boys wouldn't work so well now, of course, and I feel he must've been lucky many times without knowing it.
But in the end, this is a good biography of a short life of a young saint, and doesn't take long to read. The perfection is probably just typical of saint biographies, especially since this saint is so young, and without major storms of life. I'm sure there might've been some flaws, since no one is completely without. Still, Dominic might be a good example, and inspiration, for persons of any age, and this slim book gives us its message well.
But onto the story of Dominic. He shows from his very earliest years a kind of perfection that might seem strange today. He gets to have his first Communion early at the age of 7 (back then the first Communion happened usually later). Then we follow him through his school years, concentrating mostly on his three years at the Oratory of St Francis De Sales where John Bosco was also, the adult who writes Dominic's story. We follow his life there, his friends, his religious excellence, and finally his final illness, which makes his last days being at home. We also get to know of his posthumous influence on his fellow students and others.
The book does mention that there were other very pious boys at the Oratory, it was just that Dominic was a bit on a higher level with this. But it's not like he was flawless (part of it was due to his young age, no doubt - if he had lived, there might've been the struggling years to come...). His health was always delicate. He had scruples, and Bosco had to make him tone his mortification way down (due to Dominic's health and need to keep studying). And his success of influence on other boys wouldn't work so well now, of course, and I feel he must've been lucky many times without knowing it.
But in the end, this is a good biography of a short life of a young saint, and doesn't take long to read. The perfection is probably just typical of saint biographies, especially since this saint is so young, and without major storms of life. I'm sure there might've been some flaws, since no one is completely without. Still, Dominic might be a good example, and inspiration, for persons of any age, and this slim book gives us its message well.
May 28, 2013
A really inspiring book, about the life of a young Catholic lad, Dominic Savio (who was later canonised a saint), who was a student of Father John Bosco (Don Bosco, who was also canonised a saint). He led a really pious and holy life, and died at the young age of 14, one month short of his 15th birthday, preserving his baptismal innocence until his death. It makes us think; if a young lad can be this good, why can't we 'more mature' adults be like him? A highly recommended read. I didn't say too much here as I didn't want to spoil the book, but my review does not do this book justice.
Saint John Bosco and Saint Dominic Savio, pray for us!
Saint John Bosco and Saint Dominic Savio, pray for us!
May 18, 2015
St. John Bosco’s biography of his pupil, St. Dominic Savio, is not the typical average bestseller biography. Rather, what it really is is a succinct synopsis of one man’s personal observations and experiences with a holy youth who stayed within the religious order he founded: The Salesians of Don Bosco (or the Salesian Society, officially named the Society of St. Francis de Sales). In this little book, comprising only of 152 pages, St. John Bosco is like a religious field anthropologist, who, from close and far, notes with scrupulous detail the life of a young boy who had a singular aim in life, and that was to be as pleasing to God in all and any respects imaginable, to strive to the honors of the alter and become a saint. In this book, he recounts Dominic Savio’s loving and pragmatic upbringing, his deep interior and exterior prayer life and the overall comforting presence that Savio conveyed to those he knew and to those who knew him, if only from afar. His thirst for sanctity knew no bounds, and every mundane task was seen as an opportunity to grow in holiness. While St. John Bosco encouraged the seeking out of holiness in the every day, and especially in the Holy Mass as well as with the rosary and confession, he wanted the kids who lived under his roof to also be just kids, to be able to laugh and enjoy the less serious moments in life, and under Bosco’s tutelage, Savio and his students grew in leaps and bounds. Occasionally, there were moments of scrupulosity that needed to be addressed. And there were also religious practices that needed to be lessoned in their extremity, but with John Bosco’s guidance something beautiful began to expand, most evidently seen in young Dominic. He had the wisdom of the experienced, and when his death was imminent, despite the denial of all those around him, Dominic was prepared, patient and consoling. The portrait painted of St. Dominic by his teacher St. John, showed a conscientious youth with a deep an abiding loyalty to all those around him. He had deep intellect and a serenity to accept all things, even if they were bad. This biography also shows St. Dominic’s day-by-day personal prayers and jottings, tidbits that give an illumination into the thinking of the Church’s youngest non-martyred saint. A pretty good read.
November 22, 2016
After we talked for some time, and I was about to call his father, Dominic asked, "Will I do, Father? Will you take me to Turin to study?"
"Well, you seem to have good stuff in you."
"Good stuff? Good for what?"
"Good for a lovely vestment to give the Lord."
"Then you are the tailor and I'm the cloth. Take me with you and make me into a beautiful vestment for him."
"Well, you seem to have good stuff in you."
"Good stuff? Good for what?"
"Good for a lovely vestment to give the Lord."
"Then you are the tailor and I'm the cloth. Take me with you and make me into a beautiful vestment for him."
May 18, 2013
Beatiful and inspiring. The updated title of the book is "The Life of St. Dominic Savio." This is honestly one of the most wonderful and fulfilling books I've read (and I've read a lot of books).
March 2, 2021
A great saint writes about another great saint. This book reminds us how easy and simple it is to become a saint if we only will it. After reading this book I chose St. Dominic Savio as my patron saint and confirmation saint due to his great example. It also inspired me to not be ashamed to say grace at meals or at least make the sign of the Cross.
February 16, 2022
Resolutions made by me, Dominic Savio, in the year 1849, on the day of my First Communion, at the age of seven.
1. I will go to Confession often, and as frequently to Holy Communion as my confessor allows.
2. I wish to sanctify the Sundays and festivals in a special manner.
3. My friends shall be Jesus and Mary.
4. Death rather than sin.
1. I will go to Confession often, and as frequently to Holy Communion as my confessor allows.
2. I wish to sanctify the Sundays and festivals in a special manner.
3. My friends shall be Jesus and Mary.
4. Death rather than sin.
March 24, 2025
Beautiful book. I admire St Dominic Savio’s love and respect for God, Our Lady, and to the Sacraments. His admiration for God since a young age is beautiful. I hope one day i may be able to mirror his love and actions for God. It was an amazing book going through his life.
June 30, 2022
Short biography of the Saint by his former schoolmaster of three years. An inspiring life indeed of a young child with the mind and the bearing of an adult and a martyr also.
April 3, 2023
I wished to know more.
September 5, 2019
Quanto mi è piaciuto questo libro! Quanto stimo e ammiro san Domenico Savio!
Volevo leggere da un po' qualcosa in più su questo santo, sin da quando mi fu raccontato un aneddoto della sua vita (quello in cui si addossa una colpa non commessa, offrendola al Signore e tutelando i suoi compagni di classe).
Dopo aver trovato su Amazon questo libro scritto da san Giovanni Bosco, ho deciso di comprarlo e ben presto l'ho letto, o meglio, l'ho divorato. La lettura è molto piacevole e inoltre mi sembra che la curatrice della traduzione in lingua corrente abbia fatto un buon lavoro; anche la scelta di aggiungere altri aneddoti e informazioni sul santo, nonostante inizialmente mi avesse lasciato alquanto perplessa, alla fine penso che abbia fornito ancor più completezza al testo.
Ciò che penso di questo piccolo grande santo è riconducibile a Mt 18: 2-4: "Allora Gesù chiamò a sé un bambino, lo pose in mezzo a loro e disse: «In verità vi dico: se non vi convertirete e non diventerete come i bambini, non entrerete nel regno dei cieli. Perciò chiunque diventerà piccolo come questo bambino, sarà il più grande nel regno dei cieli."
Questo libro mi ha colpito, commosso, illuminato spiritualmente ed entra nella rosa dei miei libri preferiti. San Domenico Savio non può che essere per me un gran modello di riferimento e una guida nel mio operato quotidiano.
Volevo leggere da un po' qualcosa in più su questo santo, sin da quando mi fu raccontato un aneddoto della sua vita (quello in cui si addossa una colpa non commessa, offrendola al Signore e tutelando i suoi compagni di classe).
Dopo aver trovato su Amazon questo libro scritto da san Giovanni Bosco, ho deciso di comprarlo e ben presto l'ho letto, o meglio, l'ho divorato. La lettura è molto piacevole e inoltre mi sembra che la curatrice della traduzione in lingua corrente abbia fatto un buon lavoro; anche la scelta di aggiungere altri aneddoti e informazioni sul santo, nonostante inizialmente mi avesse lasciato alquanto perplessa, alla fine penso che abbia fornito ancor più completezza al testo.
Ciò che penso di questo piccolo grande santo è riconducibile a Mt 18: 2-4: "Allora Gesù chiamò a sé un bambino, lo pose in mezzo a loro e disse: «In verità vi dico: se non vi convertirete e non diventerete come i bambini, non entrerete nel regno dei cieli. Perciò chiunque diventerà piccolo come questo bambino, sarà il più grande nel regno dei cieli."
Questo libro mi ha colpito, commosso, illuminato spiritualmente ed entra nella rosa dei miei libri preferiti. San Domenico Savio non può che essere per me un gran modello di riferimento e una guida nel mio operato quotidiano.
July 8, 2023
Neste livro Dom Bosco vai contar a história de um de seus mais queridos alunos do Oratório São Francisco de Sales, Domingos Savio.
Já conhecia a história desse grande santo da Igreja, porque cresci numa escola salesiana, mas conhecer pela visão de outro santo que viveu com ele por tantos anos é impressionante.
Além da história de Domingos, no final, tem a história de alguns milagres/graças alcançados por sua intercessão.
Já conhecia a história desse grande santo da Igreja, porque cresci numa escola salesiana, mas conhecer pela visão de outro santo que viveu com ele por tantos anos é impressionante.
Além da história de Domingos, no final, tem a história de alguns milagres/graças alcançados por sua intercessão.
November 9, 2018
"See" he exclaimed. "I'm right in telling you to make me a saint. Even my name says I belong to the Lord. I want to belong entirely to him, and I must become a saint. I won't be happy until I become a saint."
Resolution 21: Make us severe towards ourselves but kind to others.
What kind of person would you like to be if - as it happened to him - you were to be summoned today to that judgement seat where God will demand a strict account of even your slightest faults.
Resolution 21: Make us severe towards ourselves but kind to others.
What kind of person would you like to be if - as it happened to him - you were to be summoned today to that judgement seat where God will demand a strict account of even your slightest faults.
November 26, 2022
In today's age laymen think they can reach a "norm" of holiness, and then that's it. Many an adult layperson acts like anyone else on earth would- except that they call themselves catholic.
But what about a kid? A kid more faithful than probably 99.9% of earth? Let us find good examples of real people.
But what about a kid? A kid more faithful than probably 99.9% of earth? Let us find good examples of real people.
October 29, 2014
It's very cool to read a book written by a Saint, about a Saint. But can I admit that rather than finding young Dominic Savio inspiring, I felt discouraged? Purity, piety, and zeal at levels so far beyond my reach!
July 18, 2020
I need to reread this story/Life to help me stay positive and close to Jesus and the up and down time in our country.
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews